Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, was born in Kundagrama near Visahali. He was born as Prince Vardhamana in Bihar in 599 BC. He was very brave child, who once mounted a charging elephants!
At the age of thirty, Mahavira renounced his kingdom, and family. It is believed that Mahavira did not partake of even water, for two days. He pulled out his hair, and wore only a piece of cloth. Later, he gave half of that garment to a begger. After a little over a year, he gave up clothes altogether.
Mahavira's teachings are full of universal compassion. He taught about the internal beauty and harmony of the sole.
Mahavira preached that right faith, right knowledge and right conduct together will lead one towards liberation.
The religion Mahavira established is known as Jainism. Mahavira himself is also called 'Jina' which means conqueror, for he was a spiritual conqueror of mankind. He is also known as Tirthankara which means fordmaker, as he was the bridge to enlightenment.
